How to Tell If a Monitor Is VGA or SVGA

VGA port

Video graphics array (VGA) is a hardware standard introduced by IBM in 1987. A VGA monitor uses a 15-pin connector and provides a maximum resolution of 640 by 480 pixels. Super VGA (SVGA) monitors are similar to VGA but allow a higher resolution, typically 800 by 600 pixels.

Things You'll Need

• Windows Vista or XP

Instructions

1. 

   Connect a monitor (if it is not already connected) to a computer running Windows Vista or XP using a standard VGA cable.

2. Log on to your user account in Windows Vista/XP.

3. Right-click on "Desktop" to bring up the pop-up menu.

4. In Windows Vista, click "Personalize" and then "Display Setting."
   In Windows XP, click "Properties" and select the tab "Settings" in the Display Properties window.

5. Shift the horizontal resolution bar all the way to the right to set the maximum allowed value. Read the resolution value (in pixels) below the bar. If it is 640 by 480, then the monitor is VGA. If the resolution is 800 by 600 (or higher), then it is a SVGA monitor.

Resources

• VGA
• SVGA